William King was with Andrew Jackson during his controversial invasion of the Spanish colony of West Florida and occupation of Pensacola. Jackson interpreted the surrender of the Spanish governor there as giving the United States control over all of West Florida.
Jackson then appointed King as the military governor and charged him with enforcing Spanish laws and protecting Spanish people and property. In addition, King oversaw the dispersal of Tennessee and Kentucky militia.
However, Jackson's invasion of West Florida was a serious threat to U.S. negotiations with Spain to get all of Florida and President James Monroe wanted West Florida restored to Spanish control as soon as possible. King served at his post until relieved by Edmund P. Gaines.
William Gaines was discharged from the Army in June 1821 and died in January 1826.
Fort King in Florida was named for him.
--Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
No comments:
Post a Comment